Communities to Hold Discussion on Opioid Issue

Surrounding communities will gather to discuss opioid abuse and prevention on Thursday, Oct. 23.

The Regional Dialogue on Opioid Use begins at 7 p.m. at Reading Memorial High School.

At the meeting, community members will work to find solutions to the growing opioid issue in Massachusetts. Opioids refer to drugs such as heroin, OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and hydrocodone drugs like Vicodin.

Opioid overdose has become one of the leading causes of death in Massachusetts, and Governor Deval Patrick declared the issue a public health crisis in March.

Last week, an opioid overdose patient was revived with Narcan in North Reading.

In July, two brothers were charged with dealing heroin and other controlled substances in Winchester.

The event is hosted by Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition, and Senator Jason Lewis.

In addition to members of the community, teachers, elected officials and healthcare officials are invited to join the discussion.

The RCASA will also screen a documentary about opioid addiction, “The Hungry Heart,” on Wednesday, Oct 1.

Sign up for Regional Dialogue on Opioid Use here. Deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 1.

For more information, email Ally Kuriloff or call (617) 722-1206.